A thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of your thyroid gland, the butterfly-shaped organ in your neck, either entirely (total thyroidectomy) or partially (partial thyroidectomy).

The primary surgical treatment for thyroid cancer is thyroidectomy, which is also a treatment option for some thyroid disorders, such as:

Thyroid nodules: In your thyroid gland, a thyroid nodule is a growth (lump) of thyroid cells. The majority of thyroid nodules are benign (noncancerous), however some may be malignant (cancerous). Thyroid nodules occasionally create too much thyroid hormone, which results in specific symptoms.

A goitre is an enlarging of the thyroid gland, whether or not there are thyroid nodules present. It can make it more challenging to breathe and swallow if it becomes big enough to put pressure on your oesophagus or food pipe (trachea).

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): When you have hyperthyroidism, your thyroid produces and releases more hormones than you require. Surgery is one of the treatments available for the illness, which has a number of reasons.

Types of thyroid cancer include:

• Papillary thyroid cancer.

• Follicular thyroid cancer.

• Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).

• Anaplastic thyroid cancer.

• Primary thyroid lymphoma (surgery is limited to obtaining a tissue biopsy).

• Metastasis to the thyroid from cancer elsewhere in your body (most commonly renal cell cancer and lung cancer).

What is the thyroid?

Your thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland that is covered by skin at the front of your neck. It is a component of your endocrine system that manages a number of critical bodily processes by creating and releasing specific hormones, sometimes known as thyroid hormone.

Hormones are substances that communicate with your organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues through your blood to coordinate various bodily functions. These messages instruct your body on what to do when.

The primary function of the thyroid is to regulate your metabolic rate, which is the rate at which your body converts the food you eat into energy. Your body's cells all require energy to function.

Your thyroid is divided into two main sections: the two lobes and the central section, which joins the two lobes (thyroid isthmus).

This section will inform you about thyroid surgery types, side effects, indications, and more:

What are the types of thyroidectomies

Thyroidectomies fall into two primary categories: total and partial.

Part of your thyroid may be removed during certain partial thyroidectomies, including:

• A thyroid lobectomy, also known as a hemi-thyroidectomy, involves the surgeon removing one thyroid lobe.

• Isthmusectomy,The thyroid tissue in between the two lobes is removed by the surgeon (thyroid isthmus). This operation is only carried out by surgeons for little tumours that are situated in the isthmus.

• In an open thyroid biopsy, the thyroid nodule is directly removed by the surgeon. Rarely do surgeons carry out this procedure.

The surgical removal of all or nearly all of your thyroid tissue is known as a total or near-total thyroidectomy.

Depending on why you need surgery, you may require a certain form of thyroidectomy. For instance, you might require a hemithyroidectomy to remove the afflicted lobe if you have a nodule on one side of your thyroid. You will probably require a total thyroidectomy if you have a huge goitre or a large malignant tumour.

Your endocrinologist, your surgeon, and you will decide together on the best surgical strategy for you.

When would I need a thyroidectomy surgery?

Any of the following factors could lead your doctor to advise thyroid removal:

• Your thyroid has a development called a nodule that may be thyroid cancer.

• Thyroid cancer has been identified as yours.

• You struggle to breathe or swallow due to a big nodule or goitre that is pressing against your trachea or oesophagus.

• You suffer from hyperthyroidism due to a nodule or goitre that is secreting too much thyroid hormone and is resistant to other treatments.

How common are thyroidectomy surgeries?

Thyroidectomies are a frequent procedure. Each year, more than 150,000 thyroidectomies are carried out in the US by surgeons.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider about a thyroidectomy

Asking your endocrinologist and/or surgeon the following questions may be beneficial if your endocrinologist advises thyroidectomy.

• Why do I need a thyroidectomy?

• Are there other forms of treatment for my condition?

• How do I select a surgeon?

• What are the risks of a thyroidectomy?

• How much of my thyroid gland needs to be removed?

• Will I need thyroid hormone replacement therapy after my surgery?

• What can I expect once I decide to proceed with surgery?

• What will be my physical restrictions following surgery?

• How will my life be different after surgery?

Conclusion

Surgery may be a stressful experience. Recognize that if carried out by a licenced and skilled surgeon, thyroidectomies are a common procedure and typically safe. Talk to your endocrinologist or surgeon if you have any queries or worries regarding your thyroidectomy. They are ready to assist you.